The University of Minnesota Duluth softball team had a strong showing in the first day of the Midwest College Classic, securing two victories against Washburn University (8-4) and Newman University (18-1).
 
In the first game, the Bulldogs defeated Washburn University 8-4. UMD took an early lead in the first inning when Sierra Thomas hit a two-run homer to right-center, bringing home Daphne Evans, who had reached on a fielding error. The inning concluded with UMD leading 2-0. The Bulldogs capitalized on another fielding error in the second inning, as Ava Johnson scored after reaching third, extending their lead to 3-0.
 
The fourth inning saw UMD further extend its advantage. Taylor Dawyduk walked, later scoring on a double by Evans, while Kendal Jenkins followed with a single that drove in two more runs, making the score 6-2. In the sixth inning, UMD added to its lead with Emma Ambroz doubling and later scoring on a single by Morgan McMillan, while Evans also crossed the plate, resulting in an 8-2 score.
 
Washburn managed to score two runs in the seventh inning but couldn't overcome the deficit, and the game concluded with Minnesota Duluth winning 8-4.
 
Emmie Sylvia-Cochran pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs, throwing 7 innings and allowing four earned runs on eight hits, recording six strikeouts and issuing four walks while facing 35 batters.
 
Jenkins led the team with three hits and three RBIs, while Thomas contributed a home run, two RBIs, and a run scored. Evans scored three runs and added two hits, including a double, while also stealing a base.
 
In their second game of the Midwest College Classic, the Bulldogs dominated Newman University with an impressive 18-1 victory. UMD opened strong in the first inning, with Evans singling to center field and later scoring on a single by McMillan. A sequence of walks and a fielder's choice allowed McMillan, Jenkins, and Thomas to score. Evans returned to the plate, driving in two more runs with a single, and by the end of the inning, UMD led Newman 6-0.
 
The second inning featured Jenkins singling, followed by Thomas hitting a two-run homer and Johnson adding a solo home run, extending their lead to 9-0. In the third inning, Marissa Tomashek pinch hit and singled, later scoring along with Jenkins on a single by pinch hitter Taylor Tschida, while Johnson also crossed home plate, increasing the lead to 12-0.
 
UMD continued its offensive display in the fourth inning, with Evans singling and scoring along with several teammates following a series of walks and a crucial double by Tschida that brought in two runs. By the end of the inning, the score stood at 18-0. Newman managed to score a run in the fifth inning, but the game concluded with a final score of 18-1.
 
Ashley Mandell delivered a complete game performance, pitching five innings and allowing just one earned run. She faced 18 batters, yielding two hits and one walk while striking out four. With a total of 70 pitches thrown, 45 were strikes.
 
Evans stood out with four hits and four RBIs, making a significant impact on the team's offensive output. Thomas contributed with two runs and two RBIs, including a home run, while Johnson recorded three RBIs and four runs, alongside her own home run.
 
The Bulldogs continue competing in the Midwest College Classic tomorrow, starting at 2:20 p.m. against the University of Central Oklahoma.